Sports Minister Kenson Casimir has provided a firm update on the plans for the construction of a National Aquatic Center at Beausejour, Gros Islet, alongside a mini-facility in the southern region.
The Minister confirmed that significant progress is being made in erecting the island’s major swimming facility. He stated that work on the Olympic-sized pool is advancing rapidly, with major milestones anticipated by the end of September.
The construction of Saint Lucia’s National Aquatic Centre has entered the crucial steelwork phase for the main stand, marking a vital step for the facility’s completion.
This project is essential for hosting the 2027 CARIFTA Aquatics Championships and includes a 50-meter competition pool along with a 25-meter pool. Despite facing delays, recent updates indicate that the steel structure installation is progressing well, with a strong commitment to complete the center in time for the 2027 event.
“Currently, construction work is underway on the foundation of the 50-metre pool, and we will see definitive progress on the pool area by the end of September,” Casimir declared at a media briefing.
To expand access to swimming facilities across the island, he announced plans to build a 25-metre pool in Vieux Fort to foster the development of athletes in that southern zone.
“We are committed to creating a decentralized space for swimming in Vieux Fort, and we are planning a National Swimming contest among secondary schools, which is a primary focus for developing swimming in the region,” the Sports Minister asserted.
Casimir emphasized that the foundation of any sport must start at the school level.
In alignment with this vision, the Ministry of Sports is actively working towards hosting a weekend swimming event to instill sporting discipline among athletes, similar to the successful Island Champs competition.
Sports authorities recognize this project as a key driver, underscoring Saint Lucia’s confirmed role as the host for the 2027 CARIFTA Aquatics Championships, solidifying the nation’s commitment to advancing swimming development.
The Sports Minister highlighted that the goal is to have the facility ready for the 2027 championship, with initial timelines indicating that construction will take approximately 18 months.
Significance of the Project:
– Hosting the CARIFTA Aquatics: This facility will be pivotal in hosting this prestigious event.
– International Standards: The design meets international specifications, positioning it for high-profile regional events like the CARIFTA Championships.
Athletic Development: The new center will drastically enhance training and development opportunities for local athletes, providing them with world-class conditions.
National Development: This project is a crucial step in establishing Saint Lucia as a premier destination for competitive swimming.
R.A.